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  • Hero Cycles pedals into the record books with ‘Har Gully Hero’ ride-a-thon

    Hero Cycles pedals into the record books with ‘Har Gully Hero’ ride-a-thon

    MUMBAI: Hero Cycles, in partnership with WPP Media and RED FM 93.5, has officially entered the Guinness World Records for creating the largest online video album of people riding bicycles — a high-octane finale to its wildly successful ‘Har Gully Hero’ campaign.

    With over 5,800 verified entries flooding in from across India, the campaign didn’t just clock record views — it sparked a full-blown pedal-powered revolution. Targeted at kids aged 6–14 and their nostalgia-loving parents, Har Gully Hero reignited a national passion for outdoor play at a time when screens are winning the battle for attention.

    Billed as India’s largest cycling movement, the campaign reached over 16 lakh citizens across 23 cities, uniting schools, housing societies, and cricket academies in a massive show of community spirit and wheeled fitness.

    Taking it a gear higher, Hero Cycles rolled out limited-edition IPL co-branded bikes with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals. RED FM kept the campaign buzzing with a high-decibel mix of radio activations, an infectious anthem, and RJ-fuelled meet-ups that gave the campaign its signature swagger.

    By blending purpose with pedal power, Hero Cycles didn’t just break a record — it created a movement. And in the process, reminded India that the real playground isn’t a screen, it’s the street.

    Hero Cycles head – marketing, Pallavi Gupta said, “At Hero Cycles, we’ve always believed that cycling is more than just mobility but a movement. With Har Gully Hero, our vision was to bring back the joy of outdoor play, especially for children growing up in a rapidly evolving digital world. Setting a Guinness World Record is a proud milestone, but what truly matters is the impact we’ve made on communities across India. We are full of gratitude for every child, parent, school, and partner who made this possible. This is just the beginning of a larger movement towards a fitter, more active India.”

    WPP Media South Asia COO Ashwin Padmanabhan said,” Har Gully Hero’ is more than a campaign, it is a cultural revival. It’s a celebration of India’s street sport culture and an urgent call to bring movement back into children’s lives. Achieving a Guinness World Record is a proud moment for all of us and reflects the power of purposeful storytelling at scale.”

    He further said, “This campaign not only rekindled the joy of cycling and gully cricket but also showcased how a brand-led initiative can unite a nation through one pedal, one gully, and now, one world record at a time. With Har Gully Hero, Hero Cycles plays a catalytic role in championing outdoor play and physical fitness, proving how brands can shape healthier, more connected communities.”

  • HealthOK salutes India’s tireless dads with a power-packed Father’s Day campaign

    HealthOK salutes India’s tireless dads with a power-packed Father’s Day campaign

    MUMBAI: Mankind Pharma is flexing both heart and muscle this Father’s Day with a spirited campaign for ‘HealthOK’ – its flagship vegetarian multivitamin brand. Riding high on a near Rs 50 crore milestone and a 25 per cent growth rate, the brand is putting dads front and centre as the ‘HealthOK Heroes’ of Indian households.

    The campaign pays tribute to fathers who never seem to run out of steam — fixing bikes, solving math homework, pulling late-night shifts, and still managing a Sunday cricket match. HealthOK positions itself as their nutritional wingman, helping them power through life’s endless to-do list with its 100 per cent vegetarian multivitamin formula tailored for daily stamina.

    Commenting on the campaign launch, Mankind Pharma vice president, sales and marketing head, consumer business unit, Joy Chatterjee said, “Happy Father’s Day to our HealthOK Heroes. This Father’s Day, we are celebrating the extraordinary fathers who demonstrate relentless dedication to parenthood without ever showing signs of fatigue. Our campaign acknowledges that today’s fathers seamlessly transition between multiple roles; they are providers who ensure family security, protectors who offer safety, mentors who guide with wisdom, and friends who share in life’s joys.”

    “In India, where nearly 30-40 per cent of the population embraces vegetarianism, there is a recognized concern regarding potential vitamin deficiencies among them. HealthOK steps in to bridge this gap by offering a dedicated solution in the form of pure vegetarian multivitamin tablets. In contrast to many over-the-counter alternatives that are non-vegetarian, often due to their capsule form, HealthOK tablets are exclusively sourced from vegetarian ingredients. This not only caters to the specific needs of the vegetarian male population but also aligns with their commitment to a vegetarian lifestyle. We are gaining share in the regions where the vegetarian population is substantial. We at Mankind, take pride in contributing to the well-being of individuals adhering to a vegetarian diet,” He further added.

    But the health hustle doesn’t stop there. For the mini-mes in the family, HealthOK is also pushing its kid-friendly multivitamin gummies — colourful, chewable bursts of nutrition designed to sneak goodness into even the pickiest diets. A nod to today’s time-starved, label-checking parents, the gummies promise immunity and growth without the kitchen drama.

    Commenting on HealthOK gummies, Chatterjee said, “A large number of Indian children fall short of meeting their daily nutritional needs, especially when it comes to essential vitamins and minerals. HealthOK Multivitamin Gummies are designed to help bridge this gap. While kids often crave sugary treats that offer little nutritional value and may harm dental health, HealthOK Gummies offer a smarter alternative. Packed with key nutrients like Vitamin C, D, Zinc, and Iron, these gummies are formulated to support immunity, healthy growth, and overall energy -all in a tasty, child-friendly format.”

    With a multi-platform media blitz spanning digital and traditional formats, the Father’s Day campaign is less about sentiment and more about celebrating real-life endurance athletes — also known as dads.

  • Taapsee Pannu shares the Vogue Eyewear spotlight with Hailey Bieber

    Taapsee Pannu shares the Vogue Eyewear spotlight with Hailey Bieber

    MUMBAI: While Hailey Bieber struts the style game for Vogue Eyewear in the US, it’s Bollywood’s own Taapsee Pannu turning heads in India for the same brand—bringing a dose of fierce femininity and panache to the eyewear giant’s campaigns.

    The brand’s latest move pairs two women worlds apart, but equally influential. Hailey, the American It-girl, lends global glam with her co-designed collection, while Taapsee brings grit, grace, and a screen presence that commands attention. The “Keep Playing” campaign, fronted by Taapsee in India, is a visual treat that champions individuality and unapologetic self-expression—perfectly in sync with her reel and real-life persona.

    For Vogue Eyewear, this isn’t just casting—it’s curation. In a market brimming with aspirants, Taapsee’s selection reflects more than star power. It signals global relevance, the ability to connect across cultures, and a narrative of bold, modern Indian femininity.

    While comparisons with Hailey may be inevitable, this isn’t a face-off—it’s a fashion-forward celebration of two icons owning their corners of the globe. And for Taapsee, it’s another feather in a cap already brimming with critically-acclaimed roles and bold brand choices.

  • Timex ticks up its marketing game with Varun Malik at the helm

    Timex ticks up its marketing game with Varun Malik at the helm

    MUMBAI: Timex Group has roped in seasoned marketer Varun Malik as its new general manager – marketing and senior management personnel, aiming to give its brand strategy a timely upgrade.

    Malik was most recently the marketing head at Shalimar Paints, where he spearheaded campaigns to refresh the legacy brand’s visibility and sharpen its competitive edge in the fast-growing paints market. From digital storytelling to GTM blueprints and influencer engagement, Malik’s brushstrokes were all over Shalimar’s recent makeover.

    With over 16 years under his belt, Malik brings deep experience across lifestyle marketing, content, and consumer engagement, having held marketing roles at HyFun Foods, Reebok India, Times of India, DLF, and Samsung. At Timex, he is expected to steer the brand into bolder, buzzier terrain—especially with younger consumers and digital-first strategies.

    For Timex, it’s time to move beyond the tick-tock—and tell bigger brand stories.

  • Ketto walks the talk as Shilpa Mishra steps in to lead its giving game

    Ketto walks the talk as Shilpa Mishra steps in to lead its giving game

     MUMBAI: Giving gets a new boss Shilpa Mishra joins Ketto Foundation to steer its next chapter in impact. Ketto Foundation, the strategic philanthropic and CSR arm of crowdfunding platform Ketto.org, has named Shilpa Mishra as its new executive director. With over 14 years of experience in building some of India’s most respected non-profit institutions, Mishra steps into a role that’s all about bridging heart and strategy and taking Ketto’s impact ambitions to the next level.

    Her mandate? Scale up CSR implementation, reimagine workplace giving, and anchor community-led systems built on empathy and equity all while keeping transparency at the core.

    “Philanthropy is not just capital movement, it’s a movement of mindsets,” said Mishra. “At Ketto Foundation, we’re not just funding change, we’re co-creating it with communities, not just for them.”

    Mishra’s career spans leadership roles at Bhumi, GiveIndia, Make A Difference, Avasara Academy, Tata Strive, and The Akanksha Foundation. She’s mobilised over Rs 150 crore through CSR and institutional partnerships, with measurable impact on more than a million lives.

    “Shilpa’s appointment is a turning point,” said Ketto.org Co-founder Varun Sheth. “She’s got a rare mix of heart and systems thinking—her ability to align big-picture CSR goals with on-ground community needs will be crucial as we build a scalable, inclusive infrastructure for generosity.”

    The Foundation’s bold new vision? Enable one million families to become poverty-free by 2035. It’s not just a metric—it’s a mission. And under Mishra’s leadership, the focus will be on purpose-driven partnerships, civic-first giving, and sustainable philanthropy that’s as effective as it is empathetic.

    Because at Ketto Foundation, giving isn’t just an act. It’s a structure. And it just got a new architect.

  • Nielsen report shows fans, formats, and fierce females fuelling sports boom

    Nielsen report shows fans, formats, and fierce females fuelling sports boom

    MUMBAI: Nielsen’s latest Global Sports Report lands like a last-minute winner—unpacking how sponsorships, women’s sports, and shifting media habits are fuelling the next wave of growth in the global game.

    With 51 per cent of the world’s population calling themselves fans, the beautiful game is a branding bonanza. A whopping 67 per cent of football lovers say they’re more inclined towards sponsoring brands—13 points higher than the average punter. The U.S., still warming up to football, is shaping up as the next power market, with 62 million fans and the FIFA World Cup 2026 looming. The fanbase is young, diverse, and loaded—76 per cent are Gen Z or millennials, and over a third live in $100K+ households.

    Next up: women’s sports. Not just gaining ground—they’re sprinting ahead. Global interest in women’s sports hit 50 per cent in 2024, up from 45 per cent in 2022. In the U.S., the WNBA saw a 31 per cent spike in its fanbase, with viewership up 201 per cent for the 2024 season. Brands like Coach are already cashing in, tapping into a surging female fanbase where 47 per cent of women follow women’s sports, and 42 per cent tune into men’s matches—a leap from 2022 levels.

    Third on Nielsen’s list: a media shake-up. Live sport still rules, but how fans watch is changing fast. Streaming is booming among the over-50s (up 21 per cent in two years), while Gen Z is flocking to newer formats like TGL golf. Social media’s not just driving discovery—it’s building new tribes. Rugby, for instance, is racking up fans in unexpected markets thanks to athlete influencers like Ilona Maher and viral Olympic moments. Even pickleball, once a punchline, is riding high on digital clout—fuelled by social-first brand moves like Nature Made®’s cheeky #ProPickle campaign.

    Nielsen Sports general manager Jon Stainer said, “The global sports industry is experiencing an exhilarating evolution, as live sports continue to grow and extend into all parts of media. At Nielsen, we are uniquely positioned to deliver the most important insights for broadcasters, brands, and organizations interested in connecting with fans. The data in our 2025 Global Sports Report illuminates precisely the opportunities that exist for these partners as the worldwide appeal of live sport, especially with major, worldwide sporting events on the horizon, gains even more momentum.”

    With fandoms fragmenting and formats evolving, Nielsen’s 2025 report makes one thing clear: if brands want to score, they’ll need to move fast, think digital, and back the underdogs.

  • Bakingo bakes up brownie points for ‘The Real OGs’ this Father’s Day

    Bakingo bakes up brownie points for ‘The Real OGs’ this Father’s Day

    MUMBAI: Forget socks and soggy sentiment—this Father’s Day, Bakingo is going straight for the heart (and the sweet tooth) with its cheeky new campaign, ‘The Real OG’.

    A tribute to the unsung superheroes who fix, fund, and forgive in equal measure, the collection serves up fatherhood in every flavour—strong, sweet, slightly nutty, and always unforgettable.

    Top of the treat list is the Choco Raspberry Cake, a rich-meets-zingy creation that’s moody in the best way. For tropical types, the Mango Passion Fruit Bento Cake brings full sunshine energy. The brand’s big “aww” moment comes in a limited-edition brownie box spelling out “I Love U DAD”—nine gooey squares that say what words can’t. Also in the spotlight: cake popsicles in mango and hazelnut for the dad who deserves dessert with a wink.

    The rest of Bakingo’s line-up is no less tempting—think jarcakes, tres leches, chocolate bombs and more, all prepped for same-day delivery.

    “Our Father’s Day collection is a tribute to dads who may not always ask for recognition, but whose love, quirks, and quiet sacrifices deserve to be celebrated in the sweetest way possible,” said Bakingo co-founder Himanshu Chawla. “With this campaign, we wanted to go beyond clichés and honour the real, original moments of fatherhood, ones that often go unnoticed but never unfelt. From the classic dads to the cool, goofy, silent, and sentimental ones, this one’s for every version of Dad out there.”

    So this Sunday, ditch the dad jokes and deliver dessert. Because being an OG isn’t about how old he is—it’s about how often he showed up, even when no one asked.

  • Ambrane packs a punch with pocket-sized PowerMini 10 and cheeky new TVC

    Ambrane packs a punch with pocket-sized PowerMini 10 and cheeky new TVC

    MUMBAI: Ambrane’s latest spot isn’t just selling a power bank—it’s flipping the script on size. The brand’s new TVC for its sleek PowerMini 10 serves up charm and a cheeky lesson in performance, courtesy of a clever child who repeatedly outsmarts his dad.

    The film opens with a casual game of chess between father and son. A surprise checkmate, a tech-savvy fix, and a gentle see-saw outbalance later, the message lands with a grin: “Size dekhke judge kiya?” The punchline segues into the reveal of the Ambrane PowerMini 10—a pocket-sized dynamo boasting a 10,000mAh battery capacity.

    Conceptualised and produced by Watermelon, the campaign taps into the everyday with a light touch and delivers a deeper message: don’t underestimate the little guy. Whether it’s the pint-sized hero or the palm-sized charger, both prove that power isn’t always about bulk.

    “With this TVC, we wanted to tell a relatable and emotional story that conveys the brand’s core philosophy, that big performance can come from the most unexpected, compact forms. The PowerMini 10 may be small, but it’s designed to keep up with the energy and demands of our consumers,” said Ambrane India managing director Ashok Rajpal.

    The TVC is rolling out across major television networks, OTT platforms, and digital channels, with a parallel push on Instagram, YouTube, and influencer-led content to widen its charge.

    With this launch, Ambrane isn’t just powering devices—it’s charging perceptions.

  • Trust issues? Prime Video’s The Traitors makes betrayal the main game

    Trust issues? Prime Video’s The Traitors makes betrayal the main game

    MUMBAI: Backstabbers, assemble Prime Video’s The Traitors wants your trust, then twists it. The gloves are off and the masks are on in The Traitors, Prime Video’s new psychological reality thriller where lies, suspicion, and manipulation rule the game. Set in a castle-like estate and packed with 20 familiar faces think Karan Kundrra, Uorfi Javed, Raftaar, and Maheep Kapoor the show turns deception into sport and betrayal into strategy.

    Adapted from the Emmy and BAFTA-winning global format by IDTV, and produced in India by BBC Studios for Prime Video, The Traitors isn’t just drama, it’s emotional demolition. Friendships are collateral, family bonds are bait, and trust? That’s your biggest weakness.

    Each week, contestants face daring tasks and emotional landmines. But it’s the infamous Circle of Shaq that leaves viewers clutching imaginary pearls. Here, alliances are shattered, accusations fly faster than clues, and even the most loyal hearts are accused of treachery. In the first few episodes alone, Maheep openly calls out Players, Apoorva takes no prisoners, and the air is thick with suspicion.

    Celebrities like Anshula Kapoor, Ashish Vidyarthi, Jasmine Bhasin, Sudhanshu Pandey, Lakshmi Manchu, Janvi Gaur, and more find themselves second-guessing every smile and decoding every handshake. With reputations on the line, each move is a gamble and in The Traitors, someone’s always bluffing.

    The series blends brutal gameplay with emotional vulnerability, an unpredictable mix of Survivor-style endurance and Bigg Boss-style showdowns, but with an added layer of psychological warfare.

    The Traitors premiered its first three episodes on Prime Video, with new episodes dropping every Thursday at 8 pm.

    So if you’ve ever wondered how far someone might go to win when lying is the rule, not the exception log in, watch your back, and remember: Rise and shine… it’s Dhokha Time.